Why Adobe PDF Comment Not Showing? Here's Quick Fixes
Learn why Adobe PDF comment not showing. Here are the 5 fixes to try for PDF comment not showing.

Imagine this: facing the issue of Adobe PDF comment not showing, sounds inconvenient, right? From disrupting the workflow to creating miscommunication, the negative consequences are many. Additionally, it causes a delay in work, especially when working on a client’s feedback or comments. However, there are various reasons behind addressing the issue of PDF comments not showing. So, follow this ultimate guide to understand the cause and the best fixes to mitigate this error in the future. Now, let’s dive into it.
Why Adobe PDF Comment Not Showing?
Before jumping on the fixes, it is equally important to address the major reasons behind this error. It helps you to deeply understand the causes. Moreover, the problem of PDF comment not showing certainly stops you from accessing the comment. The bad consequences of error include disruption of work and projects. Plus, professionals can’t work on crucial feedback, leading to miscommunication.
Besides this, it is a complete waste of time and effort at once. Now, dive in to discover the reasons for comments on PDF not showing:
-
Unsupported Version of PDF Reader or Editor
Using the older versions of PDF Reader or Editors often causes issues with PDF comments not showing. It is essential to ensure working on the upgraded edition of accessibility tools for smooth and effortless functioning.
-
Incorrect PDF Document Settings
To secure the data, professionals make PDF read only file, preventing the chances of editing, especially commenting and adding annotations in the document. Here, you need to change the incorrect settings to make the PDF more accessible.
-
Major File Permissions or Restrictions
Many times, you might read a warning message like “this file is locked for editing, content copying, and commenting”. Moreover, it brings up the issue of Adobe PDF comment not showing; it mainly occurs due to strong owner permissions over the PDF file.
-
File Inaccessibility or Corruption
If the PDF is affected or damaged due to improper sharing or downloading. It prevents users from opening, viewing, or accessing the comments in a PDF document. Here, you immediately need to fix the file corruption to secure the valuable data.
Overall, these are the common reasons for “PDF comment not showing”. Now, you might be wondering about the techniques. So, let’s move down to discover the major fixes to resolve the error quickly and effectively.
How to Fix PDF Comment Not Showing - Try 5 Easy Solutions
In the following section, we will find out the best fixes to prevent the issue of “Adobe PDF comment not showing”. Using these easy-to-advanced methods, you can access the PDF comments without data tampering. Additionally, we will provide a stepwise guide on each technique, so find it helpful when addressing this annoying error.
#1 Update Your PDF File Reader/ Editor
Previously, we mentioned the major reasons for comments on PDF not showing. One of those includes an outdated PDF Reader. If working on the unsupported application of reading or accessing the PDF annotations, like comments, it might cause an error. Here, you need to ensure the upgraded edition of this tool, especially when using the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Here are the steps to update the Adobe PDF Reader:
-
Open the Adobe Acrobat Reader application on your system.
-
Tap Help and then go to Check for Updates.
-
Now, look for new updates if found > immediately download them.
Pro Tip: If the issue of comments on PDF not showing persists, try switching to another PDF Viewer or Reader tool. Many online platforms are available for accessing or viewing the comments in a PDF document.
#2 Change PDF View Mode Settings
Selecting the incorrect setting leads Adobe PDF comment not showing the error. Moreover, if you’re constantly facing this annoying problem, ensure changing the PDF view mode settings. Here, you need to carefully choose the page view settings. Below are the complete step-by-step guidelines to remember:
-
Open the problematic PDF document.
-
Move to Single Page View > don’t click Read Mode.
-
Now, easily access or read the desired PDF comments.
#3 Check the Comment Accessibility
If you’re searching for another fixes, then ensure you check the comment visibility. There are several instances where professionals lock the PDF comment to prevent editing of the final document. It is typically known as owner permissions. Besides restrictions, if the comments are marked as private, then it shows the problem of “PDF comment not showing”.
To disable the permissions, you need robust tools like the SysTools best PDF Unlocker tool. It is the secure and fastest way of removing the PDF restrictions and unlock comments in PDF docment. Using this pro tool, you can get the rightful access to a PDF document instantly. Additionally, it allows you to remove the comment restrictions in batch mode. Puls, you can download this professional solution on your Windows or macOS machine.
#4 Fix PDF File Damage or Corruption
Another reason for “comments on PDF not showing” is file corruption. Hence, it is essential to work on fixing the file error or corruption. Here, use the SysTools PDF Recovery Tool, another advanced solution for resolving the file error. Using this robust tool, you can deeply scan the PDF corrupted elements and extract the data effortlessly.
Moreover, the tool allows you to create a new file without any issues. In this way, you can read and access the disabled comment in a PDF document with ease. So, run this pro tool on your Windows and macOS.
#5 Open the PDF on Another Device
If the above fixes won’t work, try opening the document on another device. Moreover, it allows you to easily view the comment or other annotations in a PDF file. It is one of the simple yet effective fixes for Adobe PDF comment not showing error. Additionally, you can use other PDF viewers' tools on different devices to access the document error-free.
Concluding Words
In the above guide, we have listed 5 fixes for Adobe PDF comment not showing. Using these methods, you can instantly access the PDF comments or other elements. Besides this, if the issue remains, try to re-create the PDF document for better accessibility.